Dear Friends, As you know, EBCALA continues to address the legal needs of the autism community. We have assembled an incredibly dedicated and dynamic team of highly qualified advocates. Our team is unparalleled in their commitment, even as they excel in careers and attend to the challenges of family life with autistic children. Other organizations provide […]

We need your help to make the autism community, and all of our issues, a squeaky wheel in this election season. For the next debate, we don’t want just a mention of autism. We want the Presidential candidates to discuss a plan for leadership on increased funding for dedicated autism research, and appropriate health insurance […]

Please support this data collection effort by SafeMinds and The Holland Center. EBCALA is very concerned about the proposed DSM 5 redefinition of autism. The ramifications of a new autism definition are far reaching and could be devastating. Everything from epidemiology to services could be affected for individuals with autism. Those dealing with autism need […]

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) held its first meeting of the year on July 10th. EBCALA along with the Canary Party, Age of Autism and SafeMinds held a lunch-time press conference to highlight the shortcomings of both Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and IACC in halting or managing the autism epidemic.

Transcript: Mary Holland, EBCALA’s Board Chair, offered public comment at the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting on July 10th. This first full committee meeting since the Combatting Autism Act of 2011 was passed.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Mary Holland. I am a Research Scholar at New York University School of Law. I have been considering the problem of compulsory vaccination for several years.

Mary Holland, EBCALA’s Board Chair, offered public comment at the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting on July 10th. This first full committee meeting since the Combatting Autism Act of 2011 was passed.

Despite Congress’s original intention, few can argue that the IACC thus far has been effective. Worse, significant evidence exists to demonstrate that this did not have to be so. From the controversial appointment or retention of committee representatives, to the troublesome history of committee members themselves, to the lack of accountability for the few advances made in autism research, to the questionable direction of the Strategic Plan, it is fair to state that the IACC is not living up to Congress’ and the public’s expectations.